Jacqueline Pearce Movies

Produced for British television, Daniel Deronda was adapted from George Eliot's final novel, written in 1874 (and first filmed in 1921). As was her habit, Eliot laid bare the hypocrisy and venality of Victorian-era "class culture," at the same time admitting that a certain amount of conformity was necessary if one hoped to survive in a world where nonconformity was not only looked down upon but actively suppressed. Essentially, both the novel and the TV presentation are comprised of two separate stories, linked together by the titular Daniel Deronda (Hugh Dancy), a young man of Jewish heritage. In the main narrative, Daniel is attracted to the spoiled, headstrong Gwendolen Harleth (Romola Garai), who is reluctantly poised to enter into a marriage of convenience with the wealthy, snobbish, and intensely anti-Semitic Henleigh Grancourt (Hugh Bonneville). This romantic intrigue is played against the curious relationship between Daniel and the Zionist visionary Mordecai (Daniel Evans), who tirelessly proselytizes in favor of a permanent homeland for the Jewish people. Things come to a head when Daniel finds himself falling in love with Mordecai's sister Mirah (Jodhi May). Originally telecast in three parts on the BBC beginning December 7, 2002, Daniel Deronda was re-edited as a two-parter for the PBS anthology Masterpiece Theatre, where it first aired on March 30, 2003. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Patrick Troughton returns to his old role of the Second Doctor in the three-part adventure "The Two Doctors." Sent to investigate a space station, the Doctor and his companion, Jamie (Patrick Hines, also making a return appearance), are attacked by the Sontarans. It is up to the Sixth Doctor (Colin Baker) to rescue his distinguished predecessor from this and other perils. In keeping with the nostalgic milieu of this adventure, the early sequences with Patrick Troughton were filmed in black-and-white. Written by Robert Holmes, "The Two Doctors" was originally telecast in England on February 16 and 23, and March 2, 1985, then released in a six-part version in the United States. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In the conclusion of the three-part adventure "The Two Doctors," the Sixth Doctor (Colin Baker) rushes to Spain, there to (hopefully) rescue his predecessor, Doctor #2 (Patrick Troughton). Complicating matters is a false ally named Chessen o' the Franzine Grig (Jacqueline Pearce) and a band of surly Sontarans. The ending, in which the Sixth Doctor must not only save his "prior self" but also their respective travelling companions Peri (Nicola Bryant) and Jamie (Frazer Hines), hinges on a carefully laid trap. Part three of "The Two Doctors" originally aired on March 2, 1985. The entire adventure was later released in a six-part version in the United States. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Having been frustrated in her previous efforts to knock off the Scorpio crew, Servalan (Jacqueline Pearce) hires a chameleonlike professional assassin named Cancer (John Wyman). In their efforts to get to Cancer before he can get to them, the crew members inadvertently cause the death of the slave Nebrox (Richard Hurndall). Another slave, the beautiful Piri (Caroline Holdaway), becomes the romantic bone of contention between Avon (Paul Darrow) and Tarrant (Steven Pacey) -- but there's something deadlier than an amorous rivalry at work here. "Assassin" originally aired on November 9, 1981. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Avon (Paul Darrow) agrees to trade the ship's computer, Orac, for a new, highly destructive long-range weapon, the tachyon funnel. Unfortunately, the inventor of the weapon, a megalomaniac recluse named Egrorian (John Savident) double-crosses Avon and sabotages the Scorpio crew's space shuttle. The lives of the space travelers are dependent upon Vila (Michael Keating), who may have to jettison himself into space to allow his comrades to escape their latest predicament. "Orbit" was first telecast on December 7, 1981. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Bitter enemies Servalan (Jacqueline Pearce) and Tarrant (Steven Pacey) are stranded on Virn, a planet controlled by living, omnivorous sand. Servalan braces herself for the worst: Her lover, Don Keller (Jonathan David), has already been devoured by the sand, along with several other colonists. For some curious reason, the sand spares the lives of both Servalan and Tarrant -- but the danger has only just begun. "Sand" first aired on November 23, 1981. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In order to produce an antidote for the Federation's mind-controlling drugs, Avon must forge an alliance within a group of anti-Federation warlords. One of these leaders is Zukan (Roy Boyd), who has a pretty daughter named Zeeona (Bobbie Brown). When it turns out that Zukan is in league with Federation president Servalan (Jacqueline Pearce), the fate of the crew may hinge upon Zeeona's growing fondness for Tarrant (Steven Pacey). This penultimate Blakes 7 episode first aired on December 14, 1981. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

While in pursuit of the evil Servalan (Jacqueline Pearce), the Liberator is drawn into the energy field of Sardos, an unchartered planet controlled by liberated Federation convicts. These men and women intend to link up with a group of renegade Federation troops, who have harnessed the power of the replicating computer Moloch for their own purposes. By the time a startling secret has been revealed concerning this high-tech computer, Vila (Michael Keating) has formed an uneasy alliance with ex-convict Doran (Davyd Harries). "Moloch" made its first appearance on March 17, 1980. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Picking up where season two left off, the third season of Blakes 7 was launched with the episode titled "Aftermath." With the intergalactic war coming to an end, the crew of the Liberator -- minus the titular Blake and crew member Jenna (actors Gareth Thomas and Sally Knyvette had left the series) -- evacuates the ship via individual space pods. Avon (Paul Darrow) lands on the planet Sarran, along with his hated adversary, Federation President Servalan (Jacqueline Pearce). The two enemies are rescued from a hostile tribe by a pair of fellow fugitives, Hal Mellanby (Cy Grant) and his daughter, Dayna (Josette Simon in her first series appearance). Servalan returns the favor by killing Mellanby, whereupon Dayna casts her lot with the surviving Liberator crewpersons. "Aftermath" first aired on January 7, 1980. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Avon (Paul Darrow) chooses the peace-loving planet Obsidian for his new headquarters. Dayna (Josette Simon) and Tarrant (Steven Pacey) likewise arrive on Obsidian, hoping to negotiate a truce between their warring civilizations. Alas, Servalan (Jacqueline Pearce) is prepared to launch an attack upon Obsidian -- whose residents would sooner die than abandon their pacifist philosophy. "Volcano" first aired on January 21, 1980. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Jan Chappell plays a dual role in this episode, as alien telepath Cally and as Cally's sister, Zelda. Receiving a mental message from Zelda, Cally learns of a deadly plague on her home planet, Auron. The person responsible for this calamity is Servalan (Jacqueline Pearce), who wants to get her hands on Auron's sophisticated cloning process. "Children of Auron" originally aired on February 18, 1980. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Vincentio (Kenneth Colley), Duke of Vienna, is a good and kindly ruler, but his leniency has allowed vice to thrive. So he decides to leave town temporarily, putting in charge his stern chief deputy, Angelo (Tim Piggott-Smith). Immediately, Angelo condemns the young nobleman, Claudio (Christopher Strauli), to death for getting his sweetheart, Juliet (Jacqueline Pearce), pregnant. Isabella (Kate Nelligan), an aspiring nun who is Claudio's sister, is disgusted by Angelo's suggestion that she "lay down the treasures" of her body to save her brother's life. Meanwhile, the Duke returns to town in the guise of a friar to see how his domain is faring in his absence. When he spies around, he learns of Claudio's imprisonment, and he overhears the dilemma that Angelo has created for Isabella. The helpful ''friar'' then suggests to Isabella that Mariana (Jacqueline Pearce), who was once betrothed to Angelo, take her place in the darkness of Angelo's bedroom. Mariana agrees, and the scheme goes according to plan. However, Angelo reneges on his promise because he fears Claudio will seek revenge if he is released, and instead he orders Claudio's immediate execution. However, Duke Vincentio, still disguised as a friar, persuades the prison warden to spare Claudio and to trick Angelo into thinking Claudio is dead. When Duke Vincentio doffs his disguise and reappears as himself, Angelo, realizing the game is up, asks to be executed to avoid a degrading trial. But Mariana, steadfast in her love for Angelo, pleads for his life. Mercy and a happy ending triumph. Claudio returns from the dead to wed Juliet. Angelo is spared and marries Mariana. The Duke then begs the hand of Isabella. He tells her, ''Dear Isabel, I have a motion much imports your good; whereto if you'll a willing ear incline, what's mine is yours and what is yours is mine.'' ~ Mike Cummings, All Movie Guide